Mackintosh's only church reopens

The interior of the Mackintosh Church - an "iconic masterpiece"

A church designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh is to re-open to the public after a £1m refurbishment.

The Mackintosh Church at Queen's Cross, Glasgow, was designed in 1896 and has been closed since April 2006.

The building was restored and visitor facilities upgraded to "restore the masterpiece to its former glory".

Professor Pamela Robertson, chair of the project, said: "The church has always formed a special element within Mackintosh's output."

She described it as an important landmark.

"We believe it is now better equipped than ever to add value to Glasgow's unique Mackintosh heritage, contribute to the local community and meet visitor expectations for the foreseeable future," she added.

The refurbishment project included repair work to the roof, stonework, woodwork and leaded glass.

Preserved legacy

The church is the headquarters of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, which has cared for the building since 1976 and been its owner since 1999.

Stuart Robertson, director of the society, said: "The Mackintosh Church really is Glasgow's hidden Mackintosh gem.

"Its refurbishment will preserve this legacy for future generations to enjoy."

Councillor Alex Mosson, chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: "It is wonderful to see Queen's Cross Church - one of his greatest and most iconic masterpieces - newly restored and ready to welcome its next generation of visitors."

A free open day will be held on Saturday 3 March from 1200 GMT until 1600 GMT.